KW Blessinghttp://kwblessing.com/
Laura Ivy Blessing, realtor, provides area and real estate information for anyone moving to or living in Austin, TX or the surrounding areas (Cedar Park, Round Rock, Georgetown, Lakeway, Lago Vista). en-ushttp://kwblessing.com/post/5172151/blessingbuyers-com--current-list-of-our-active-buyers-austin--txBlessingBuyers.com Current List of Our Active Buyers Austin, TX<p><span class="blog_post_text">Welcome to my blog and to our post that has the current list of buyers that our team is working to find homes! </span></p><p>The Ivy Blessing Group's #1 Job is to find homes for our buyers and buyers our homes (<a href="http://www.mlsfinder.com/tx_actris/lauraivyblessing?action=newsearchsession&amp;agent_only=y" target="_blank">see active listings here</a>)! </p><p>And if you are looking for the right Buyer's agent to help you find your dream home, please consider interviewing our team. Here is a link to <a href="http://Ivy%20Blessing%20Group%20Buyer%20Needs:%20%20%20A%20Buyers:%20Our%20Highest%20Priority%20Buyers!%20Have%20to%20buy%20a%20home%20(have%20either%20sold%20their%20existing%20home,%20transferred%20into%20town,%20or%20their%20lease%20has%20expired.)%20In%20many%20cases,%20the%20could%20potentially%20be%20homeless.%20%20%20%20J&amp;Y%20-%20Up%20to%20%24350K%20in%20Cedar%20Park,%20preferably%204+%20bedrooms%20in%20Cedar%20Park%20HS%20School%20District%20FOUND%20%20%20J&amp;S%20-%20Up%20to%20%24350K,%20Cedar%20Park%20&amp;%20Round%20Rock%20areas%20%20FOUND%20%20CS%20-%20Max%20%24325K,%203+/2+%201%20or%202%20story%20home%20in%20Cedar%20Park%20with%20a%20great%20lot%20and%20backyard%20%20%20%20%20B%20Buyers:%20Our%20second-highest%20priority%20buyer.%20Ready%20to%20buy%20except%20they%20have%20a%20home%20to%20sell%20first,%20have%20a%20lease%20to%20fulfill,%20or%20are%20in%20the%20stage%20of%20getting%20pre-approved.%20%20H&amp;M%20%20%20%20%20%24300K,%204+%20Bedrooms,%20may%20build%20a%20home%20yet%20also%20open%20to%20resale,%20round%20rock%20or%20north%20suburb%20(looking%20for%20max%2045%20minute%20drive%20downtown),%20nice%20back%20yard%20and%20neighborhood%20that%20feels%20established%20with%20trees,%20open%20floorplan,%20near%20horse%20riding%20facility%20a%20plus!%20%20%20J&amp;C%20-%20Up%20to%20%24500%20-%20%24750K%20Leander%20&amp;%20LH,%20minimum%20half%20acre,%20preferably%201-5%20acres,%20pool,%204000-5000%20SF%20,%20preferably%20no%20HOA,%204+%20Bedrooms,%20+%20Office,%20+%20Room%20for%20Gym%20or%20Flex%20Room%20%20%20C&amp;J%20-%20private%20backyard%20and/or%20backs%20to%20a%20green%20belt,%203-car%20garage,%20master%20down,%20ability%20to%20park%20rv%20potentially,%20Cedar%20Park,%20Leander,%20Round%20Rock,%20%24425K%20(if%20home%20on%20acreage%20then%20higher%20price%20considered).%2020-30%20minute%20drive%20to%20Pecan%20Park/183%20area%20%20%20D%20&amp;%20B%20-%20%24400K%20home%20in%20Cedar%20park%20or%20Round%20Rock,%201-story,%20move%20in%20ready,%20place%20for%20a%20piano%20and%20a%20view%20%20%20C%20Buyers:%20Our%20third-highest%20priority%20buyer.%20May%20buy%20a%20home%20when%20the%20right%20one%20comes%20along.%20%20%20KS%20-%20Lock%20&amp;%20Leave%20Cottage%20up%20to%20%24450K%20(Victorian%20and/or%20warmer%20finishes),%20view%20preferred,%20gated%20community%20preferred,%20North%20Austin%20&amp;%20Cedar%20Park%20areas%20%20%20M&amp;B%20-%20Up%20to%20%24800K,%20Central%20Austin%20or%20Westlake,%20Craftsman-style,%204+%20bedrooms%20on%20cul-de-sac%20or%20low%20traffic%20area,%20Rosedale,%20Shoalmont,%20Shoalcreek%20areas%20preferred%20%20N&amp;K%20-%20max%20%241.4M,%20Eanes,%20Lake%20Travis,%20North%20Central%20&amp;%20NW%20Austin,%204%20Bedrooms%20plus%20an%20office,%20updated%20and%20ready%20for%20move%20in%20preferred,%20backyard%20with%20pool%20or%20place%20for%20a%20pool%20%20B&amp;P%20-%20Private%20backyard%20with%20a%20pool,%20view%20(and/or%20waterfront).%20min%203900%20SF,%20newer%20construction,%20%241M-%242m,%20Horseshoe%20Bay,%20Marble%20Falls,%20areas%20with%20little%20traffic%20in%20Central%20Texas%20%20B%20-%20%24175K%20and%20under%20rental%20home%20in%20Leander%20or%20Round%20Rock%20and%20lot%20on%20Lake%20Travis%20to%20build%20a%20cabin%20on%20someday%20(Lago%20vista,%20Spicewood,%20Lakeway%20considered).%20%20E%20-%20up%20to%20%24600K,%20new%20construction%20preferred,%20contemporary%20style,%20central%20Austin%20" target="_blank">Interview Questions for Buyer's Agents and our answers</a> to help you get started finding the best agent for the job! </p><p>Thinking of selling your home and then buying another home, down-sizing, right-sizing, upgrading? Let us tell you the benefits of working with a team to help you with both goals! (Click here to see <a href="http://kwblessing.com/post/5081999/interview-questions-for-your-listing-agent" target="_blank">Interview Questions for your Listing Agent</a> and our answers to help.) </p><p> </p><div style="color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><strong>Ivy Blessing Group Buyer Needs: </strong></div><div style="color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><strong> </strong></div><div style="color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><strong>A Buyers: Our Highest Priority Buyers! Have to buy a home (have either sold their existing home, transferred into town, or their lease has expired.) In many cases, the could potentially be homeless. </strong></div><div style="color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: small;"> </div><div style="color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: small;">
<p style="color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: small; line-height: normal;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">V &amp; B: Cedar Park single story home with 3 car garage and private back yard. 400k.</span></p>
<p style="color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: small; line-height: normal;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">T &amp; A: Northwest Austin/Mopac/Domain: 1400 sq. ft, 2 bed, 2 bath home on big lot and 2 car garage. 350k.</span></p>
<p style="color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: small; line-height: normal;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">A &amp; M: Steiner or Riverplace, 4+ bedrooms, private yard, up to 600K.</span></p>
<p style="color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: small; line-height: normal;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">V &amp; R: 1 acre minimum, prefer no HOA. Leander, Round Rock West, Liberty Hill, Georgetown. 3+ bed, would love storage building on land with electrical for shop/RV storage. 500k-</span></p>
<p style="color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: small; line-height: normal;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">V &amp; B: Northwest/ North Central. Must feed to Anderson High. Min 3-4 bedrooms, 500-600k.</span></p>
<p style="color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: small; line-height: normal;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">PQ: Northwest/southwest: Hills!!!! 3 bedrooms, good topography, 10-ish miles from downtown. 500K.</span></span></p>
<p style="color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: small; line-height: normal;"> </p>
<p class="m_8205464144521343044gmail-p1" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; font-size: 12px; line-height: normal; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue'; color: #454545;">JT: up tp 1.5M, gated, private, near downtown, within 30 min of airport, pool or room for pool.</p>
<p class="m_8205464144521343044gmail-p2" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; font-size: 12px; line-height: normal; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue'; color: #454545;"> </p>
<p class="m_8205464144521343044gmail-p1" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; font-size: 12px; line-height: normal; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue'; color: #454545;">C&amp;D: 180-220K, 3+ bedrooms, CP, RR, Leander</p>
<p class="m_8205464144521343044gmail-p2" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; font-size: 12px; line-height: normal; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue'; color: #454545;"> </p>
<p class="m_8205464144521343044gmail-p1" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; font-size: 12px; line-height: normal; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue'; color: #454545;"><span class="m_8205464144521343044gmail-Apple-converted-space"> </span>CM: up to 600k, CP, Leander, Liberty hill.<span class="m_8205464144521343044gmail-Apple-converted-space"> </span>Large lot with no restrictions to house RV on property.<span class="m_8205464144521343044gmail-Apple-converted-space"> </span>Remodel ok, empty lot to build on OK.</p>
<p class="m_8205464144521343044gmail-p2" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; font-size: 12px; line-height: normal; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue'; color: #454545;"> </p>
<p class="m_8205464144521343044gmail-p1" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; font-size: 12px; line-height: normal; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue'; color: #454545;">M&amp;B: up to 1M, central, Shoal Creek, Rosedale, Hyde Park.<span class="m_8205464144521343044gmail-Apple-converted-space"> </span>Contemporary style home.</p>
<p class="m_8205464144521343044gmail-p2" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; font-size: 12px; line-height: normal; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue'; color: #454545;"> </p>
<p class="m_8205464144521343044gmail-p1" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; font-size: 12px; line-height: normal; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue'; color: #454545;">MF: up to 675k, South of MLK, E of 35, contemporary style home.</p>
</div><div style="color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: small;"> </div><div style="color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><strong>B Buyers: Our second-highest priority buyer. Ready to buy except they have a home to sell first, have a lease to fulfill, or are in the stage of getting pre-approved.</strong></div><div style="color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><strong> </strong></div><div style="color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: small;">H&amp;M $300K, 4+ Bedrooms, may build a home yet also open to resale, round rock or north suburb (looking for max 45 minute drive downtown), nice back yard and neighborhood that feels established with trees, open floorplan, near horse riding facility a plus! </div><div style="color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><strong> </strong></div><div style="color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: small;">
<span style="font-size: 12.8px;">J&amp;C - Up to $500 - $750K Leander &amp; LH, minimum half acre, preferably 1-5 acres, pool, 4000-5000 SF , preferably no HOA, 4+ Bedrooms, + Office, + Room for Gym or Flex Room </span><strong><br></strong>
</div><div style="color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><strong> </strong></div><div style="color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: small;">
<span style="font-size: 12.8px;">C&amp;J - private backyard and/or backs to a green belt, 3-car garage, master down, ability to park rv potentially, Cedar Park, Leander, Round Rock, $425K (if home on acreage then higher price considered). 20-30 minute drive to Pecan Park/183 area </span><strong><br></strong>
</div><div style="color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: small;"> </div><div style="color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: small;">
<span style="font-size: 12.8px;">D</span><span style="font-size: 12.8px;"> &amp; B - $400K home in Cedar park or Round Rock, 1-story, move in ready, place for a piano and a view</span><span style="font-size: 12.8px;"><br></span>
</div><div style="color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: small;"> </div><div style="color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: 12.8px;"> </span></div><div style="color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: 12.8px;"><strong>C Buyers: Our third-highest priority buyer. May buy a home when the right one comes along. </strong></span></div><div style="color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: 12.8px;"><strong> </strong></span></div><div style="color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: small;">KS - Lock &amp; Leave Cottage up to $450K (Victorian and/or warmer finishes), view preferred, gated community preferred, North Austin &amp; Cedar Park areas </div><div style="color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: 12.8px;"><strong> </strong></span></div><div style="color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: 12.8px;">M&amp;B - Up to $800K, Central Austin or Westlake, Craftsman-style, 4+ bedrooms on cul-de-sac or low traffic area, Rosedale, Shoalmont, Shoalcreek areas preferred</span></div><div style="color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: 12.8px;"><strong> </strong></span></div><div style="color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: small;">
<span style="font-size: 12.8px;">N&amp;K - max $1.4M, Eanes, Lake Travis, North Central &amp; NW Austin, 4 Bedrooms plus an office, updated and ready for move in preferred, backyard with pool or place for a pool</span><span style="font-size: 12.8px;"><strong><br></strong></span>
</div><div style="color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: small;"> </div><div style="color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: 12.8px;">B&amp;P - Private backyard with a pool, view (and/or waterfront). min 3900 SF, newer construction, $1M-$2m, Horseshoe Bay, Marble Falls, areas with little traffic in Central Texas</span></div><div style="color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: small;"> </div><div style="color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: small;">
<span style="font-size: 12.8px;">B - $175K and under rental home in Leander or Round Rock and lot on Lake Travis to build a cabin on someday (Lago vista, Spicewood, Lakeway considered).</span><span style="font-size: 12.8px;"><br></span>
</div><div style="color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: 12.8px;"> </span></div><div style="color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: 12.8px;">E - up to $600K, new construction preferred, contemporary style, central Austin </span></div><p> </p><p> </p>Laura Ivy Blessing 512-789-5087, Above & Beyond Service (Ivy Blessing Realty LLC)Wed, 14 Feb 2018 21:00:36 -0800http://kwblessing.com/post/5172151/blessingbuyers-com--current-list-of-our-active-buyers-austin--tx
http://kwblessing.com/post/4719466/how-cool-is-this-pool--How Cool is this Pool??<div style="color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8000001907349px; line-height: normal;">Now this is how you build a pool in the live music capital of the world! While not fully complete, you can see that this guitar shaped pool will have a hot tub as a soundhole and the bridge appears to be a swimp up bar. The neck will serve as the lap portion of the pool.</div><div style="color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8000001907349px; line-height: normal;"> </div><div style="color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8000001907349px; line-height: normal;">
<img src="https://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/agents/lauraivy1/files/pool.jpg" alt="Guitar Pool in Twin Creeks" width="437" height="243"><br><br>How great is that? Do you want to crash the party there? Well, there are currently 13 lots for sale in the brand new Abbottsbury at Twin Creeks development where this home and guest house are being built. </div><div style="color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8000001907349px; line-height: normal;"> </div><div style="color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8000001907349px; line-height: normal;">
<strong>Looking for one-of-a-kind lots in a beautiful location near a wonderful neighborhood?</strong> <a href="http://www.mlsfinder.com/tx_actris/lauraivyblessing/index.cfm?action=newsearchsession&amp;search_mode=form&amp;primarysearchtype=active&amp;searchtype=subdivision&amp;state=TX&amp;lots_acreage=y&amp;min_price=0&amp;max_price=1000000000&amp;listing_status=Active%2CActive%20Contingent%2CPending%20-%20Taking%20Backups&amp;subdivision_text=twin%20creeks&amp;resetform=1" target="_blank">Click here to view the list of lots available for the new Abbotsbury at Twin Creeks development.</a>
</div><div style="color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8000001907349px; line-height: normal;"> </div><div style="color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8000001907349px; line-height: normal;">The lots are located on the renowned <a href="http://www.twincreeksclub.com/Default.aspx?p=DynamicModule&amp;pageid=385832&amp;ssid=305121&amp;vnf=1" target="_blank">Twin Creeks Golf Course</a> and offer protected greenbelt views. They are situated near the intersection of Abbotsbury Drive and Volente Road. I have lived in the neighborhood for over 4 years and now the area very well. I have experience working with builders and can provide guidance as you work to build your dream home. Call me so I can guide you through the process. Currently, the Ryland and Standard Pacific homes in the Twin Creeks neighborhood are moving very fast. These lots could go quickly.</div><div style="color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8000001907349px; line-height: normal;">
<br>My name is Laura Ivy Blessing and I blog about the Austin area known and lesser known happenings with a splash of real estate savvy for today's buyers and sellers. <a href="mailto:blessing@kw.com">blessing@kw.com</a> 512-789-5087</div><div style="color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8000001907349px; line-height: normal;"> </div>Laura Ivy Blessing 512-789-5087, Above & Beyond Service (Ivy Blessing Realty LLC)Wed, 05 Aug 2015 10:26:19 -0700http://kwblessing.com/post/4719466/how-cool-is-this-pool--
http://kwblessing.com/post/5168047/so-you-think-all-realtors-are-the-same-So you think all realtors are the same?<p><span style="color: #1d2129; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; white-space: pre-wrap;">So you think all realtors are the same? Think again! Choosing the right realtor can make a $ubstantial difference! Check out how I compare to the average agent. This is a page I share in all my listing presentations but thought I would share. Experience and dedication to the craft really does "pay" off for my clients.</span></p><p><img src="https://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/agents/lauraivy1/files/Listing%20Stats.png" alt="Laura Ivy Blessing Listing Stats" width="700" height="1050"></p><p><img class="center" src="https://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/agents/lauraivy1/files/signature.png" width="586" height="156"></p>Laura Ivy Blessing 512-789-5087, Above & Beyond Service (Ivy Blessing Realty LLC)Fri, 02 Feb 2018 19:51:41 -0800http://kwblessing.com/post/5168047/so-you-think-all-realtors-are-the-same-
http://kwblessing.com/post/5081999/interview-questions-for-your-listing-agentInterview Questions for your Listing Agent<p>What a big decision! Interviewing and hiring a listing agent will be the most important step in the home selling process. This is the make or break moment that will decide whether this process will be smooth and less stressful for you...or the opposite.</p><p>Here is a list of interview questions to help! And if you are interviewing our team to get your home sold, then we have included our answers to help you get familiar with how we work to provide the best service and, most importantly, fetch the most money in the least amount of time, while protecting our clients' liability throughout the process (If you are also going to be buying a home, here are <a href="http://kwblessing.com/post/4239826/buying-a-house--interview-questions-for-your-realtor-part-2--answers" target="_blank"><strong>Interview Questions for Buyers Agents and my answers</strong></a> to help get the ball rolling. Ask us about your discount incentive when we help you Sell and Buy a home). </p><p>Side note: This post is long and extremely detailed. We appreciate you taking the time to read it before we meet. We are one of the top real estate teams in Central Texas and we are passionate about serving our clients at the highest level possible! And please review the <a href="https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B-wZJHzGbA4KY2tLcGdvWTItRlU/view">Information About Brokerage Services</a>, as I am legally obliged to provide you if you are considering hiring our team to work for you. I am licensed to sell real estate in Texas. </p><p>We hope this blog will help anyone that reads it make the best decision when they are choosing an agent to help them or be a guide if you are thinking of selling your home on your own. And we further wish to help all brokers and agents in our industry raise their standard of service and improve the reputation of the real estate profession.</p><p>On to the interview!</p><p> </p><p><strong>1. How are you different from other agents? </strong></p><p>I love this question because there is only one way to answer it correctly and that is using statistics. My listings sell 111% faster and for .79% higher than the average agent in our market (this is calculated from listings sold starting 2016-August 2017). </p><p>What does this mean for you? Our average days on market was 14 days versus 49 days and our average list price to sales price ratio was 99.15% versus 98.36%. If you take the average sales price in Austin of $309,882, this means that our clients, on average, put nearly $4,000 more dollars in their pocket (including fees).</p><p>If an agent can not provide these statistics then be weary of hiring them. This is also the agent that is going to offer to discount commission to win your listing. Without knowing these statistics, you are taking a big risk and will most likely end up losing more money than you were trying to save. And our team has a flexible fee structure to cover all scenarios to assure that you are making the most money when you sell your home. </p><p>Go ahead, say it. You thought we were all alike, right? Our team provides service and marketing that many agents would not even know how to implement (we will explain more of this below). </p><p><strong>2. Are you a full-time agent? How much experience do you have? </strong></p><p>All great questions. Yes, I am a full-time Broker-Associate with Keller Williams Realty, Inc. (licensed since 2004) and CEO of Ivy Blessing Realty, LLC. Not only am I full time, I have the most amazing team that works with me that includes a Buyer's Agent, Full Time Operations Manager, Full Time Administrator, Transaction Coordinator and Marketing Manager. We also work with the best loan officer, escrow officer, stager and photographer in town. Yes, it takes a village to do this job properly and bring success at a high level. </p><p>You may be asking, why do you need so many people? If you are interviewing an agent that works as an individual, my advice would be to move forward with that agent if you are their ONLY client. There are 180 steps to preparing to list and get a home sold. What do you think happens when an individual agent gets more than one client? Yes, that is when some of the steps get skipped that will cost you money and/or that is when agents are unable to return phone calls when you need them or answer the phone when a prospect for your home is calling. (And side note, if you are their only client, which for the average agent is most likely true because the average agent sells 12 homes a year versus our average of 5 a month, then this agent is most likely not making enough money to market your home properly).</p><p><strong>3. Will I be able to get a hold of you when I need talk to you? </strong></p><p>Another great question! We do our best to answer the phone whenever possible. This is another advantage to working with a team. If we are unable to answer the phone, we encourage the caller to send a text (and all team members can see this text and we have an agent on duty to assist outside of regular business hours. This agent will begin working on their request and text/call them back asap.) We often hear from prospects, "I called 5 agents and you were the only one that answered the phone or called me back right away." Again, individual agents get busy in our industry and overwhelmed and stop answering the phone when they get too many clients at once (just like a waiter at a restaurant that is given too many tables to serve at once). This is giving our profession a bad reputation unfortunately. </p><p><strong>4. How many homes have you sold in my neighborhood?</strong></p><p>I've sold more than 200 homes from Buda to Georgetown. I have not sold in every neighborhood in our market. The success of our team's marketing and organizational systems work in every neighborhood. We do not work in one area or price point because we are in this to help people (And I say this because you know there are agents only interested in taking yours listing if you are luxury or priced in the millions because they only want to sell 3-4 homes a year and vacation the rest of the time. My team sold 128 homes in 2016. We are in this business to help people and protect them throughout the home selling process, whether their home is priced at $100,000 or $100,000,000.)</p><p><strong>5. What marketing will you do to get my home sold and what do you do that is different from other agents? </strong></p><p>We will cover a lot of this when we meet, as many of our marketing strategies are proprietary and we can not post them here. Some of our strategies most agents wouldn't even begin to know how to implement. Here are some highlights from our marketing plan that may be implemented when we list your home: </p><p>· <strong>Mobile Marketing Strategy</strong> (Buyers do not have their computers with them all the time, majority are out driving around looking up things on their phone. Does your agent have a mobile marketing plan? Most do not. We do. And the #1 goal is to talk to that person looking up your home, get them pre-qualified and get them in the home asap.)</p><p>· <strong>SEO Strategy</strong> (Search Engine Optimization) Google is the #1 site on the Internet. What plan does your agent have to get your property on the first page and at the top of Google? This plan should include securing key words, using blog and video, etc. We will show you this when we meet.</p><p>· <strong>MLS Strategy </strong> One MLS does not cut it these days, we have the ability to list on up to 3 that are locally and internationally in 19 different languages and 55 different currencies.</p><p>· <strong>Professional Photography </strong>This should be a standard now for home selling and I cringe when this not the case. So important to look good on the Internet.</p><p>· <strong>Professional Stager </strong> We pay for the consultation and the stager's goal is to use your furniture and items to make the home look amazing for the photos and showings. You may elect to rent or buy furniture, yet we can discuss if this would be beneficial or not.</p><p>· <strong>3D Matterport Virtual Tour and Floor Plan:</strong> I also cringe when a "virtual tour" is marketed and it's a glorified slide show. That's not how we market. <a href="https://my.matterport.com/show/?m=qYmBKD5nt2U&amp;mls" target="_blank">See a sample here</a>. This is imperative for proper Internet marketing and has helped us attract more out of state buyers. Side Note: The out-of-state buyer that is relocating for a job that is in town for one weekend to find the right home, statistically pays the most for homes. If you are planning to put your home on Zillow and sell your home on your own (which I completely respect and have a flexible fee structure to cover this scenario if this is the case) then you are most likely missing out on this buyer! You will attract plenty of investors, un-prequalified and un-serious lookey-loo buyers that will waste your time and tons of calls from agents claiming to have a buyer that really just wants to list your home. If you still want to go this direction without the help of a professional like me with proven success, then at the very least offer to pay a commission or fee to a buyer's agent/representative. This buyer doesn't have much time to find a home and they are for sure working with one when they are in town that weekend to find their home. </p><p>· <strong>Pricing Strategy</strong> (Another cringe worthy strategy many agents are doing completely wrong and could cost you big money. Such a pet-peeve of mine. Let's talk about this when we meet.) Also, when the situation calls for it, we will consult with an appraiser regarding your price. Unless we hook a cash buyer (which many times we do) then the buyer is going to be financing and the bank is going to hire an appraiser to give an opinion of market value. This is where many deals will die with a less experienced agent. My experience and consultation with appraisers will play a big part in the success of your home sale, starting with the price you choose to enter the market and/or providing a rebuttal when the home appraises lower than sales price. So important to talk with your agent about his/her experience in this realm.</p><p><strong>6. What is your negotiation experience and strategy? </strong></p><p>Another question in which there is only one right answer and many agents are going to get this wrong. I negotiate for you based on how YOU want me to negotiate for you. You are the boss. And I come across so many agents that do not work this way. For instance, an agent should not tell me they have another offer on the way unless their client has approved it. And agents do this all the time without thinking about it when I ask. </p><p> As your listing agent, I have a fiduciary duty to you and to hold your interests above my own. I will advise you with the different choices in every situation and tell you which choice I think is best and then proceed based on your decision. I take this job very seriously and the fiduciary duty. This is another aspect of the job in which other agents in the industry are not performing correctly. </p><p><strong>7. How much does it cost to sell my home? What fees should I expect?</strong></p><p> During our meeting and once we agree on the list price, we will review a Seller Net Estimate document that I calculate for you. By the way, this is another skill that I find many agents do not know how to do. Sad, yet true. If your agent does not offer to do this for you, run. Fees could add up to 7-10% of your sales price depending on your tax rate and if you escrow your property taxes, HOA resale certificate and transfer fees, title insurance fee, recording fee, survey, repairs, and commission. We want you to be fully prepared when you list your home. This is a very important step of the process. </p><p><strong>8. How do you handle an intermediary status? </strong></p><p>This means the buyer is unrepresented by an agent or the buyer is represented by another agent in my office, of it is a buyer that has hired me to represent them and they want to buy your home. Again, you are the boss and we will handle the scenario based on your decision. I will present to you all of the different options (and pros and cons) and we will review and put in writing what the rules are with each scenario when you make this decision. And most importantly, my goals is that you feel comfortable and protected throughout the selling process and that you understand every decision you are making during the process. Also important to note, I am not allowed to represent both the seller and the buyer in a transaction. This is not allowed.</p><p><strong>9. How extensive is your knowledge of the market? </strong></p><p>This is an important question! And this is another question in which most agents do not know how to answer correctly. Every agent should know how to calculate absorption rate and tell you whether it is a buyers' market, sellers' market or balanced market at a macro and/or micro level for your market. Most agents get their market knowledge from the media. The newspaper may say it's a strong Sellers' market, yet your neighborhood may be a buyers' market at the moment. Ask your agent what kind of market it is at the moment and how they calculate, track it and interpret this information for you while your home is listed. Ask them how many month's of inventory you currently have in your neighborhood? A Sellers' market is less than 5 months of inventory, a balanced market is 5-7 months of inventory and a Buyer's market is more than 7 months of inventory (this is also important to review absorption rate per price point). </p><p><strong>10. What if I am not happy with your service and I want to cancel the listing? </strong></p><p>All of our listing contracts are "no pressure" agreements. This means you can cancel at anytime and you will not be charged a fee (double check other agents are not charging you a fee please, I had one past client get charged $1500 after he terminated the listing. I'm not a fan of these fees.) I'm also not a fan of sellers feeling "stuck" with their listing agent till the last day of the contract. If I am not getting the job done and you are not satisfied with my service, please cancel. I always offer this, yet have had very few clients use it unless they decide not to sell their home. </p><p>There are many more great questions you could ask. Yet, I think these are the most important to ask and will help you gauge the knowledge and experience of the agent you are interviewing. </p><p>Thank you for reading and reviewing! Please comment or message me to discuss further. </p><p><a href="http://blessing.yourkwagent.com/">Laura Ivy Blessing</a> blogs about the Austin, TX known and lesser known happenings with a splash of real estate savvy for today's buyers and sellers. Please call her today to consult and advise you through your next real estate transaction.</p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p><p style="font-size: 12pt;"><em><em> </em></em></p><p style="margin: 0px; color: #333333; font-family: 'Arial',sans-serif;"> </p><p style="margin: 7px 0px; line-height: normal;"> </p><p style="font-size: 12pt;"> </p><p style="margin: 0px; color: #333333; font-family: 'Arial',sans-serif;"> </p><p style="margin: 7px 0px; line-height: normal;"> </p><p style="margin: 0px; color: #333333; font-family: 'Arial',sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"> </p>Laura Ivy Blessing 512-789-5087, Above & Beyond Service (Ivy Blessing Realty LLC)Sat, 08 Jul 2017 20:23:40 -0700http://kwblessing.com/post/5081999/interview-questions-for-your-listing-agent
http://kwblessing.com/post/5148764/revisit---when-is-the-best-time-to-list-your-home-in-cedar-park--tx-Revisit: When is the best time to list your home in Cedar Park, TX?<p>**Because this is relevant every year I'm posting again this year**</p><p> </p><p style="margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 9pt; line-height: 13pt; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 10.0pt; color: #454545;">Timing is absolutely everything! And if you are thinking of selling your home, using a good agent to help you price and select the best time to list your home is crucial to getting the most money for your home. Which is all what we want, correct? </p><p style="margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 9pt; line-height: 13pt; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 10.0pt; color: #454545;">Now that the peak selling season is over, I often hear people say, "we plan to take it off the market and try to sell again next spring. We think we will be able to sell for the highest price in the spring."</p><p style="margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 9pt; line-height: 13pt; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 10.0pt; color: #454545;">When you hear people say this, please send them to me and let me see if the market data reflects this or not. I find it is often not the case. <span style="font-weight: bold;">Yes, the spring and summer is when the largest amount of homes sell, yet it is not always for the highest dollar amount.</span> Surprised? </p><p style="margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 9pt; line-height: 13pt; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 10.0pt; color: #454545;">Take Twin Creeks in Cedar Park, TX for instance:</p><p style="margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 9pt; line-height: 13pt; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 10.0pt; color: #454545;">Here are the number of homes that sold and average sold price for each Quarter of 2016:</p><p style="margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 9pt; line-height: 13pt; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 10.0pt; color: #454545;">Q1 - $531,214 (7 Homes)</p><p style="margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 9pt; line-height: 13pt; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 10.0pt; color: #454545;">Q2 - $475,141 (17 Homes)</p><p style="margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 9pt; line-height: 13pt; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 10.0pt; color: #454545;">Q3 - $428,506 (8 Homes)</p><p style="margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 9pt; line-height: 13pt; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 10.0pt; color: #454545;">Q4 - $526,940 (10 Homes)</p><p style="margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 9pt; line-height: 13pt; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 10.0pt; color: #454545;">Do you see this? Homes that sold in the 4th Quarter of 2016 in Twin Creeks sold for more than $50K higher than homes in the 2nd Quarter and it only increased in Q1! So why would you wait till next year to put your home on the market if you need to sell it now? </p><p style="margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 9pt; line-height: 13pt; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 10.0pt; color: #454545;">And in case you need more reasons to consider selling now. I often hear that families don't want to have their home on the market during the holidays. Let's reframe this now. Buyers looking during the holidays are only serious buyers. You are going to have less showings and interruption for the most part. AND don't forget the news of rising interest rates. When the rates rise a point, that effects buying power by 10% for most buyers, ouch! AND lastly, you will be up against less competition. </p><p style="margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 9pt; line-height: 13pt; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 10.0pt; color: #454545;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">If you are going to wait till next year to list your home, when is the best time to put your home one the market? Depending on the market, in my opinion, if you wait till spring you may miss the boat. </span></p><p style="margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 9pt; line-height: 13pt; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 10.0pt; color: #454545;"> </p><p style="margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 9pt; line-height: 13pt; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 10.0pt; color: #454545;">Take a look at the graph below provided by Gracy Title. This is the number of homes sales for 2013-2017 for the Austin area:</p><p style="margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 9pt; line-height: 13pt; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 10.0pt; color: #454545;"> <img class="center" src="https://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/agents/lauraivy1/files/stats.PNG" width="350" height="264"></p><p style="margin: 0in; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt;"> </p><p style="margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 9pt; line-height: 13pt; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 10.0pt; color: #454545;">You can see how homes sales historically start to pick up speed in March. This means that those homes went under contract in February. So you can see that if you wait till spring, you may miss a good time to be on the market (and be up against less competition) and enjoy the first up tick in activity.</p><p style="margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 9pt; line-height: 13pt; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 10.0pt; color: #454545;">Thank you for reading! I love this job and love helping people succeed when it comes to their real estate decisions to buy, sell or invest. Please call me if you have any questions or would like to further discuss timing for the sale of your home. </p><p style="margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 9pt; line-height: 13pt; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 10.0pt;"><span style="color: #454545;">My name is Laura Ivy Blessing and I blog about the Austin area known and lesser known happenings with a splash of real estate savvy for today's buyers and sellers. </span><a href="http://">blessing@kw.com</a><span style="color: #454545;"> 512-789-5087</span></p>Laura Ivy Blessing 512-789-5087, Above & Beyond Service (Ivy Blessing Realty LLC)Fri, 15 Dec 2017 18:13:37 -0800http://kwblessing.com/post/5148764/revisit---when-is-the-best-time-to-list-your-home-in-cedar-park--tx-
http://kwblessing.com/post/5145113/austin--we-ve-got-you-coveredAustin, We've Got You Covered<p>I know Austin well! Below you'll find some of the places where I've closed a deal. I tried to fit more on the map but the app wouldn't allow anymore. Still, I thought this was interesting and eye opening. Over my 13 years of experience in this market I've done a lot and seen a lot and I think this map helps illustrate my knowledge of this market and its various pockets. I'm looking forward to adding many more pins on this map. So, keep me in mind when buying or selling, regardless of the location.</p><p><img src="https://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/agents/lauraivy1/files/Map.jpg" width="700" height="851"><img class="center" src="https://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/agents/lauraivy1/files/signature.png" width="586" height="156"></p>Laura Ivy Blessing 512-789-5087, Above & Beyond Service (Ivy Blessing Realty LLC)Tue, 05 Dec 2017 22:47:32 -0800http://kwblessing.com/post/5145113/austin--we-ve-got-you-covered
http://kwblessing.com/post/4760041/check-out-chesmar-homesCheck Out Chesmar Homes<p>In my 10+ years in real estate I've worked with dozens of builders, both good and bad. When I find a builder that is doing things the right way I feel compelled to share my story and experience. After all, your home will likely be the largest purchase you'll ever make, so you need to have confidence in the final product your builder is delivering. Recently, I've had the pleasure of working with Chesmar Homes and I wanted to share a little about them and hope you will give them some consideration when you're ready to find your perfect home.<br><br>Chesmar is relatively new to the Austin area but has roots in Houston, TX where they were founded approximately 10 years ago by Don Klein, who ran Lennar's local division for almost 10 years. At that time, Klein called his homes "upscale entry level because he said they offer upgrades that other builders would charge for, like name-brand roofs, paint, appliances and air-conditioning systems." And if you recall, not long after 2005, the recession wreaked havoc on the housing industry, but in a testament to Chesmar's management and quality, they were able to grow the company during a period when many builders closed shop. <br><br>Today, their approach is similar. Chesmar builds beautiful, quality homes that offer very reasonable and realistic price tags for all of their upgrades. In fact, everything can be customized with Chesmar if you desire. One key factor that helps in the building process is that they've removed the mystery from the design center process that many builders fail. Most builders use a third party vendor to assist with the process, but not with Chesmar. You work directly with Chesmar during the design process. Also, most builders make you sign a contract and put earnest money before you are able to begin the design center process (which means if you get to the design center and your price for the home you want to build climbs too high with all of your choices and you want to back out of the contract, most builders will not give you back your earnest money.). Not Chesmar, just another way they are taking care of clients like they are family and being a stand out among the competition. <br><br>Chesmar is passionate and dedicated at building great homes and taking care of their home owners. This was not lost on the Austin Business Journal, either. In 2014 Chesmar was ranked number 1 in the list of Best Places to Work in its size category. The journal hailed them for their open culture and relaxed work environment. <br><br>If you are interested in checking out some of the Chesmar Communities (they are currently building in 7 neighborhoods in the Greater Austin area listed below), please call/email or text me today.<br><br><a href="http://www.ranchosienna.com/?gclid=CMiv18OBs8gCFQumaQodxOYG3w" target="_blank">Rancho Sienna</a><br><a href="http://www.sunfieldtx.com/" target="_blank">Sunfield</a><br><a href="http://www.teravista.com/?gclid=CKq60tuBs8gCFQ6DaQod1OsP1g" target="_blank">Teravista</a><br><a href="http://avalontx.com/" target="_blank">Avalon</a><br><a href="http://wateroaktexas.com/" target="_blank">Water Oak at San Gabriel</a><br><a href="http://www.falconpointetx.com/?gclid=CP2zwYCCs8gCFQgHaQodA3cJsw" target="_blank">Falcon Pointe</a><br><a href="http://www.sweetwaterliving.com/" target="_blank">Sweetwater</a></p>Laura Ivy Blessing 512-789-5087, Above & Beyond Service (Ivy Blessing Realty LLC)Wed, 07 Oct 2015 14:46:08 -0700http://kwblessing.com/post/4760041/check-out-chesmar-homes
http://kwblessing.com/post/5043669/how-to-fight-your-property-taxes-in-travis-and-williamson-countiesHow to Fight Your Property Taxes in Travis and Williamson Counties<p>On April 6th, Jeff Bullard, formerly of Texas ProTax, visited Twin Creeks Country Club for his annual discussion on how to fight your property taxes. Below, you'll have access to the three handouts that I provided at the seminar and also access to the audio file of his presentation. If you'd like to see my notes from the evening you can find them below the audio file. </p><p> </p><p><a href="https://goo.gl/photos/nAVW2F2XF3Nre7dH7" target="_blank"><img src="https://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/agents/lauraivy1/files/Year%20End%20Checklist_001.jpg" alt="Year End Checklist" width="218" height="282"></a><a href="https://goo.gl/photos/gTFPNhYZngFhVYWF7" target="_blank"><img src="https://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/agents/lauraivy1/files/8%20Things%20to%20Know%20About%20Your%20Property%20Taxes_001.jpg" alt="8 Things to Know About Your Property Taxes" width="224" height="289"></a><a href="https://goo.gl/photos/qPWxgLyZw3Mk46Ez9" target="_blank"><img src="https://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/agents/lauraivy1/files/Texas%20Property%20Tax%20Calendar_001.jpg" alt="Texas Property Tax Calendar" width="217" height="281"></a></p><p> </p><p>You can listen to the entire presentation by <a href="https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B_jv_PoS9YixZVpicjZ6QXVBa1U/view?usp=sharing" target="_blank">clicking here.</a> It should offer the chance to download.</p><p> </p><div>Property Tax Seminar Notes</div><div> </div><div>Speaker: Jeff Bullard - 30 years of experience -</div><div>No longer affiliated with ProTax but still recommends them as best in the business.</div><div> </div><div>Hire Texas ProTax if you are not going to fight your taxes yourself....even if you are doing it yourself.</div><div> </div><div>Important NoteS: </div><div>THERE IS A 10% CAP ON WHAT YOU ARE LEGALLY REQUIRED TO PAY ON APPRAISAL INCREASE. </div><div>DO NOT PROTEST EARLY - PROTEST TOWARDS DEADLINE OF MAY 31ST</div><div> </div><div>46 Bills introduced into legislation with property tax implications.</div><div> </div><div>Texas has no income tax so they rely heavily on sales tax and property tax.</div><div> </div><div>Texas Property Tax Calendar </div><div>Two important dates:</div><div>Jan 1st - effective date of your tax appraisal. As if they took a picture of your property and that's what they tax you on.</div><div> - a pool put in during December will be included in the Jan 1st appraisal</div><div> - wait another month</div><div>May 31st - Last day to file written protest to contest proposed tax appraisal or exemption denial, unless notices mailed after May 1</div><div> </div><div>They have moved up their timelines and are having hearings much earlier. DO NOT PROTEST EARLY</div><div> </div><div>ProTax had more than 44,000 protests in Travis County last year.</div><div> </div><div>Sales have not been helping you as much as equity has. On equity, you're appealing your tax appraisal to the tax appraisal of other homes that are similar to yours. That's a huge difference compared to Sales/Market comparisons.</div><div>If you bought your home for less than they have on record. If you provide the settlement statement generally they will lower your appraisal.</div><div> </div><div>There's a number of factors that go into your appraisal. If you can get them to change one of the characteristics in their systems criteria, this will help you for years going forward. (class, grade, etc)</div><div> </div><div>How manyy years can you use the settlement statement? </div><div> -about a 15 month window that they will accept the statement </div><div> </div><div>You need to provide useful data and information and give them an excuse to change your appraisal...to change a characteristic.</div><div> </div><div>BE SURE YOU HAVE YOUR HOMESTEAD EXEMPTION ON YOUR PROPERTY as long as it's your primary residence. You are able to file for the previous year if you missed it.</div><div>traviscad.org IS YOUR FRIEND.</div><div> </div><div>Jeff noticed that there about 10 companies in a 5 block radius of the club house that are listed amongst the addresses. THOSE ARE TAXABLE. THE APPRAISAL DISTRICT CAN COME AFTER THAT. ANY ASSET USED IN PRODUCTION OF INCOME IN TEXAS IS TAXABLE.</div><div> </div><div>Williamson and Travis Counties use different software. Williamson has gone light years ahead of Travis in terms of their asset valuation technique and quality of staff. Williamson will require a much tighter case and will be a harder argument.</div><div> </div><div>OVER 65 EXEMPTION. IF YOU'RE OVER 65 GET THE EXEMPTION IMMEDIATELY. IT FREEZES THE TAX AMOUNT. ALLOWED TO GO BACK ONE YEAR RETROACTIVELY.</div><div> </div><div>Disability Exemptions - a disabled person - someone that has been deemed disabled by the Social Security Administration - is eligible for exemption.</div><div>Disabled Veterans - an all or nothing scenario - if you're 100% disabled in service then you pay no property taxes but if you're not 100% disabled there are 0 breaks.</div><div> </div><div>Investment properties are not covered by exemptions.</div><div> </div><div>You can have up to 20 acres covered by Homestead exemption.</div><div> </div><div>There is an online protest capability for both counties. The online appellants end up with about 40-50% of the reduction that a personal appelant will end up with.</div><div> </div><div>Texas Protax keeps track of every protest that is filed. Every week they get a report of those that were settled the week before. They know every single home that has been given an adjustment and all the notes the appraisal district has put into their internal systems.</div><div>That information is public but you cannot get it. </div><div> </div><div>If you have a parent that is over 65 you can grant them a Life Estate. They now have the right to occupy your property. By giving them that right your parents can then apply for an over 65 exemption. Needs to be their primary residence.</div><div> </div><div>A 15% adjustment is about all you'll get from the initial cubicle meeting. They will need to get supervisor on more than that, which will require strong evidence...but it is possible.</div><div> </div><div>Comps are generated by "property profiles", which are more or less neighborhoods. They will grab sold comparables and equity comparables. They usually do a good job of grouping homes with similar qualities. For example, Twin Creeks is broken into a few different groups, including one group that only borders the golf course. </div><div> </div><div>Property Profiles - </div><div> </div><div>They have moved their entire scheduling up 30 days, which has caused them to go faster and you may see some looseness in valuations...more "errors". </div><div> </div><div>Zillow is worthless. Appraisal district will pay no attention to it. You will need MLS data.</div><div>You'll need between 3-5 sales comps. Use the 5 best. </div><div>Use 10 for equity.</div><div> </div><div>Trick that the employees use at appraisal district: Sometimes they will not take comps that you bring in and will tell you that if they are not in their system they cannot accept them. Bogus info...it's inaccurate. They are being lazy.</div><div> </div><div>Request tax payer information packet - THEY MUST 14 DAYS IN ADVANCE OF YOUR HEARING THEY MUST SEND TO YOU ALL THE DATA THAT THEY CAN CONCEIVABLY INTRODUCE TO DEFEND THEIR APPRAISAL.</div><div> </div><div>How do they value your property?</div><div>If you have a view, you have a premium. Golf course frontage, etc. </div><div>Classes range from 2-8. </div><div>Each class has a unit value for per square foot. Then they will modify by age, condition, living area size, grade factor (street appeal), </div><div>5 and 5+ is what you'll see in most of the Twin Creeks area.</div><div>5 is first level of upscale builder.</div><div>6 is first level of a custom home.</div><div> </div><div>They are able to see building permits to check for improvements. They can add an improvement that you've made to your house...ie, MIL suite, office, etc. Any REPAIRS SHOULD NEVER BE COUNTED AS AN IMPROVEMENT.</div><div> </div><div>
<p style="padding: 0px; line-height: 20px;">Thank you for reading! If you like blogs like this, please comment below or email me to help you analyze the market in your neighborhood today! </p>
<p style="padding: 0px; line-height: 20px;"><span style="color: #454545; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: small; line-height: 18.2px;">My name is Laura Ivy Blessing and I blog about the Austin area known and lesser known happenings with a splash of real estate savvy for today's buyers and sellers. </span><a style="color: #c54b49; text-decoration: none; background-color: transparent; line-height: 18.2px; cursor: pointer; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: small;" href="mailto:blessing@kw.com">blessing@kw.com</a><span style="color: #454545; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: small; line-height: 18.2px;"> 512-789-5087</span></p>
</div>Laura Ivy Blessing 512-789-5087, Above & Beyond Service (Ivy Blessing Realty LLC)Fri, 07 Apr 2017 20:01:53 -0700http://kwblessing.com/post/5043669/how-to-fight-your-property-taxes-in-travis-and-williamson-counties
http://kwblessing.com/post/5039051/appreciation-trends---twin-creeks-two-story-homes-in-cedar-park--txAppreciation Trends - Twin Creeks Two Story Homes in Cedar Park, TX<p>I'm currently in the process of putting my neighbor's home on the market and crunching some numbers. It's a two story home so currently focusing on that. I always like to share appreciation trends so here is a quick post on two story homes in Twin Creeks, a golf course community on the Austin and Cedar Park border near the lake. </p><p><a href="http://activerain.com/blogsview/3551614/twin-creeks-subdivision-cedar-park--tx" target="_blank">For a full review of the neighborhood please see my previoius post on AR.</a></p><p>Summary of findings:</p><ul>
<li>Healthy and substantial appreciation of nearly 57% in last 5 years</li>
<li>Sq/foot appreciation is over 46%</li>
<li>Addition of the Reserve has increased square footage a bit (245)</li>
<li>Average sold price now tops $570K</li>
<li>Sales price to listing price was almost 114% in 2011</li>
</ul><p><a href="https://photos.google.com/album/AF1QipPRz2RZGkqtwnlrO5FcawiB52GzJ-Rl2uWmY9WJ/photo/AF1QipP9OAvhiwzLmGk5qoE36ZTx-hvBqe8Jz2lx3Mr2" target="_blank"><img src="https://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/agents/lauraivy1/files/TC%202%20Story%20XL%20snapshot.jpg" width="700" height="159"></a></p><p> </p><p style="padding: 0px; line-height: 20px;">Thank you for reading! If you like blogs like this, please comment below or email me to help you analyze the market in your neighborhood today! </p><p style="padding: 0px; line-height: 20px;"><span style="color: #454545; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: small; line-height: 18.2px;">My name is Laura Ivy Blessing and I blog about the Austin area known and lesser known happenings with a splash of real estate savvy for today's buyers and sellers. </span><a style="color: #c54b49; text-decoration: none; background-color: transparent; line-height: 18.2px; cursor: pointer; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: small;" href="mailto:blessing@kw.com">blessing@kw.com</a><span style="color: #454545; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: small; line-height: 18.2px;"> 512-789-5087</span></p>Laura Ivy Blessing 512-789-5087, Above & Beyond Service (Ivy Blessing Realty LLC)Mon, 27 Mar 2017 18:23:36 -0700http://kwblessing.com/post/5039051/appreciation-trends---twin-creeks-two-story-homes-in-cedar-park--tx
http://kwblessing.com/post/5038950/appreciation-trends---silverado-west-in-cedar-park--txAppreciation Trends - Silverado West in Cedar Park, TX<p>I'm currently working with a couple on a home in <a href="http://www.silveradoranchhoa.com/#/aboutus/" target="_blank">Silverado West</a> in Cedar Park and I thought I would share some of the research I've done on the neighborhood. Specifically, I'm sharing the appreciation trends from 2011-2016. Normally, I will include 10 years of history but this is a relatively new neighborhood so I'm only including five years.</p><p>Basics:</p><ul>
<li>B Homes</li>
<li>Located near Whitestone Blvd and Vista Ridge Blvd</li>
<li>Henry Middle School borders neighborhood</li>
<li>Vista Ridge HS sits next to Henry Middle School</li>
</ul><p>I've included a screenshot of the appreciation percentages below. In brief summary, in the last five years:</p><ul>
<li>Homes have decreased slighlty in square footage</li>
<li>List and Sold price has climed nearly $100K</li>
<li>Sold price per square foot has increased to nearly $40</li>
<li>Price appreciation is over 43%</li>
<li>Square foot appreciation is over 50%</li>
</ul><p><a href="https://photos.google.com/album/AF1QipPRz2RZGkqtwnlrO5FcawiB52GzJ-Rl2uWmY9WJ/photo/AF1QipOvNIF3FB_TcrLLvr9A5oOiI_JS0XifXadvXPyy" target="_blank"><img src="https://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/agents/lauraivy1/files/XL%20snapshot.jpg" alt="Silverado West appreciation trends" width="700" height="70"></a></p><p> </p><p style="padding: 0px; line-height: 20px;">Thank you for reading! If you like blogs like this, please comment below or email me to help you analyze the market in your neighborhood today! </p><p style="padding: 0px; line-height: 20px;"><span style="color: #454545; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: small; line-height: 18.2px;">My name is Laura Ivy Blessing and I blog about the Austin area known and lesser known happenings with a splash of real estate savvy for today's buyers and sellers. </span><a style="color: #c54b49; text-decoration: none; background-color: transparent; line-height: 18.2px; cursor: pointer; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: small;" href="mailto:blessing@kw.com">blessing@kw.com</a><span style="color: #454545; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: small; line-height: 18.2px;"> 512-789-5087</span></p><p><br><br></p>Laura Ivy Blessing 512-789-5087, Above & Beyond Service (Ivy Blessing Realty LLC)Mon, 27 Mar 2017 15:39:25 -0700http://kwblessing.com/post/5038950/appreciation-trends---silverado-west-in-cedar-park--tx
http://kwblessing.com/post/5038589/4-bedroom--3-5-bath-home-with-a-tile-roof-on-the-golf-course-787344 bedroom, 3.5 Bath Home with a Tile Roof on the Golf Course 78734<p>4 bedroom, 3.5 Bath Home with a Tile Roof on the Golf Course 78734 </p><p></p><p>Check back for more details soon! </p><p>Laura Ivy Blessing</p><p>Owner, Ivy Blessing Realty Group</p><p>Keller Williams Realty, Inc.</p><p>512-789-5087, <a href="mailto:Blessing@KW.com">Blessing@KW.com</a></p><p><img src="https://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/agents/lauraivy1/files/ivy%20blessing%20group%20logo%20w%20photo.png" width="363" height="545"></p>Laura Ivy Blessing 512-789-5087, Above & Beyond Service (Ivy Blessing Realty LLC)Sun, 26 Mar 2017 13:23:32 -0700http://kwblessing.com/post/5038589/4-bedroom--3-5-bath-home-with-a-tile-roof-on-the-golf-course-78734
http://kwblessing.com/post/4239826/buying-a-house--interview-questions-for-your-realtor-part-2--answersBuying a house? Interview Questions for your Realtor Part 2, Answers<p>The previous blog provided the list of questions. In this blog, I'm going to answer the questions like I would in an interview. Keep in mind that some of the questions are specifically related to the market of the moment or a specific market (and I will note that in the answer). This blog is super long (sorry!), yet I am more than willing to sit down and go over this in person if you are interested.</p><p><img src="https://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/agents/lauraivy1/files/interview%20photo%202.jpg" alt="Man interviewing" width="217" height="144"></p><p>My goal for posting these questions is for buyers everywhere to hire the right for agent for the job. And my goal for answering them is to do a pre-interview online so buyers searching in our area can get to know me before we set up an official interview.</p><p>Thanks for reading!</p><p><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Experience Questions</strong></span>:<br>• <strong>How many people are you currently assisting in finding a house?</strong> <em>On average, I usually have at least 3 or 4 buyers that I actively work with at a time. </em><br>• <strong>How many buyers will you work with at one time? How many sellers?</strong> <em>The maximum amount of buyers that I will work with at one time is 8 (keep in mind that I have an awesome licensed assistant too that helps me show homes and a team of agents to help me if it is a particularly busy time in the market. I'm not sure how agents work this business individually anymore. I'm a big fan of team work). I've had 10 listings at one time during the summer. Typically, agents can handle more listings than buyers. Buyers require 5-10 more hours of work on average. </em><br>• <strong>Will you be representing other buyers who are looking for homes in the same area and</strong><br><strong>price range as we are?</strong> <em>Possibly. This situation happens, yet it happens rarely to me. I will talk with both buyers about the situation and do what the client wants me to do. If one of the buyers is uncomfortable with the situation, then I can have another agent on my team step in to help them. </em><em>I've never had two buyers be exactly alike in their wants and needs (even though they are alike in price range and area). </em><br>• <strong>How many homes, on average, do you show your buyers?</strong> <em>This depends on the market. In a buyers market</em>, <em>there are more homes to see and buyers on average will see 5 to 15 homes. In a sellers market, it's usually closer to 5 homes. My goal is always to find the home within 5 homes in either market.</em><br>•<strong> What is your experience in the locations we are looking at?</strong> <em>I've sold homes in Austin and in every suburban city surrounding Austin, from Georgetown to Buda. I've been a Realtor (and now Broker) ince 2004 and have lived in North and South Austin and Lakeway. </em><br>• <strong>What percentage of the homes you've sold or located are in our search area?</strong> <em>This will be specifi</em>c <em>to the buyer that is interviewing me. Happy to provide this information.</em><br>• <strong>Do you specialize in a certain area of town?</strong> <em>No, I work all of Austin and the surrounding areas. I can advise you to make a good investment and smart real estate decision</em> <em>in any area of town (that is if you have already picked the area of town you want to live, many times I am advising on this question first). </em><br>•<strong> Do you have a price-range you specialize in?</strong> <em>No, I've worked in the $100K price range and the $100,000,000 price range (and everything in between). I'm in this business to help people, no matter what price range they are seeking.</em><br><strong>• How many homes did you sell in the past year as a buyer's agent?</strong> <em>My team and I help more than 100 buyers and sellers per year since 2013.</em><br>• <strong>How do you stay up on current trends? Do you take classes or frequently attend training?</strong> <em>I attend classes monthly. And I'm in an office with 500+ agents and I believe in strength in numbers in this business. If something is happening or about to happen in the market, most likely I know about it (thanks to my office and the amount of business that we do). Be weary of the lone agent that doesn't have a big office. Unless he is constantly researching and reading the news (which who has time for that when you are out showing homes and doing business?), I doubt he has the current trends knowledge base that I do being with a big office like Keller Williams.</em><br><strong>• How do you stay up on proposed developments that will impact a property? </strong><em>I started in this business in a commercial office and have experience working on commercial zoning projects. Understanding the rezoning process can really give an agent insight into how commercial development will impact a home or neighborhood. The best place in Austin to stay up on proposed developments is the Austin Business Journal, attend a city council meeting and/or pay a visit to the development department of the city. I will help you with all of these things if you are focusing on a property that may be effected by commercial development or zoning.</em></p><p><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Price/Financing Questions</strong></span> <br>• <strong>How do we know if this is the right time to buy?</strong> <em>This is a question that I will help each individual </em><em>buyer analyze. Considerations will include whether you have been renting or own a home (if renting, I've helped too many buyers choose the right area make good money on homes in a 3-5 year period, just on appreciation alone. </em><em>Many times it's more money than clients have in their IRAs or 401Ks. Real estate can be such a great investment). </em><br>• <strong>Will you help us decide if our desired price range is appropriate? Can you help us</strong><br><strong>choose a good price range?</strong> <em>This part of the process is where I lean on my favorite lender to help guide you.</em> <em>And I will help guide you on what areas are best for the price range in which you are pre-approved</em>. <em>I also advise to choose a price range with a monthly payment in which you are very comfortable paying and be as conservative as possible. I want home-ownership to empower you, not stress you out when you make your monthly payment. </em><br><strong>• How will you help us determine if our down-payment is appropriate?</strong> <em>This will depend on the financial and real estate market. At the moment, it is such a strong sellers market that showing at least 20% down on your offer will communicate to the seller that you are a strong buyer and will help us when we are competing against other offers. </em><br><strong>• How can you help us determine if an offer we make is good one?</strong> <em>When you want to make an offer on a home, we will discuss the sold prices of comparable properties and current market conditions. I also have the advantage that I'm with an office with more than 500 agents and involved in many transactions throughout the year, so I can help you write an offer according to the negotiation style you want and rate of success you desire.</em> <br><strong>• How will you leverage the best deal for us?</strong> <em>We will discuss reasonable expectations for the definition what getting a "deal" in our current market means.</em> <br><em>• </em><strong>How will you handle multiple offers? </strong><em>Thankfully, I am very successful at winning in multiple-offer situations for my clients. I have some strategies that we can discuss and implement if you like. Remember, you are the boss. I am going to present to you all of the options and tell you which one I think is best and then you are in charge of deciding how we handle the multiple offer based on my consultation.</em> <br><strong>• Tell us about the inspection process. How do we renegotiate the offer if the inspection</strong><br><strong>reveals a problem? Will you attend our inspection? </strong><em>I have a list of inspectors that I work with regularly. I will get bids and availability from them and then let you choose whom you want to move forward with (unless you have an inspector you would like to use already). I may or may not attend the inspection. I do recommend buyers attend the inspection to learn more about the home. I will come by and review with the inspector at the end of the inspection if this is recommended by the inspector. </em><em>If repairs are necessary, this is how I suggest we negotiate:</em> 1. <em>My buyers safety is of the utmost importance to me. If anything on the report needs to be repaired that may effect your safety when you move in the home. Then these are items that must get fixed.</em> <em>2. Any repairs that are lender required. 3. I will get you estimates on the repairs, so we can either ask the seller to make the repairs or discount the sales price or give you money towards closings costs so that you may monitor the repairs.</em> <br><strong>• What are the average closing costs your buyers have had recently? Are there possible</strong><br><strong>hidden/ costs we might encounter? </strong><em>Average costs to buy a home to expect will be 2-3% of the home value that you will need to bring to closing on top of your down payment. The lender will give you an estimate showing you all of the fees involved. Some of those costs involve setting up the escrow account so that your lender can pay your tax bill at the end of the year. Other costs to expect, depending on the size and age of the home $350-$600 for home inspection, $500 if home is on septic (pumping and inspection), many older homes need a plumbing test $400, $400-$600 for appraisal once under contract, 1% of sales price will be needed for an earnest money check (this will be credited back to you at closing) and $150 - $400 for termination option money check.</em></p><p> </p><p> </p><p><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Misc. Questions</strong></span><br><strong>• How are you compensated?</strong> <em>The Seller's Agent/Broker pays me a commission only if the home closes.</em> <br><strong>• Will you always be the one showing us houses and contacting the seller's agent?</strong> <em>Correct. My licensed showing assistant may show you some homes if I am not available.</em> <br><strong>• How accessible are you since we may have to act within hours on a property? How often</strong><br><strong>will we talk to you?</strong> <em>You can text/email/call me anytime</em>.<em> I have a team of 4 agents and 3 licensed assistants that will be able to help us see a home if we need to within hours (if I am not</em> available). <br><strong>• How much notice do you need if we want to look at a home?</strong> <em>Most homes require an hour. Some require up to 24 hours</em>.<em> As much notice as we can give, the better.</em><br><strong>• What are your negotiation techniques?</strong><em> My first priority is to present you with the different options and strategies I can use to negotiate on your behalf and then let you choose (I will tell you which one I think is best, of course). Point is that I will not negotiate a certain way without your permission. I hold your interest above my own and have a fiduciary duty to you.</em> <br><strong>• How will you search for properties that may not be listed in MLS (those sold by the</strong><br><strong>owner)?</strong> <em>I'm always on the hunt for "coming soon" properties. I will also call other dominant and active agents in the area to find these properties. It also helps I'm with a big office and company that does more business than any company in town. </em><br><strong>•How do you represent us in a for sale by owner situation?</strong> <em>Many FSBO sellers are still offering to pay a commission to buyer's agents in our market. Let me call on your behalf to get more information and set up a showing. If the FSBO seller does not want to work with agents, I can step back and still help keep you protected through the process. I've been very successful working with FSBO sellers and my buyers to make a deal work.</em><br><strong>• What about foreclosure situations? How do those work? </strong><em>In my opinion, the least risky foreclosures to buy are the ones listed in the MLS by an REO specialist. I will set up a private website for you to view homes and this will also include foreclosure homes on the market and I will email you as new properties are listed or prices are adjusted. </em> <em>If you want to pursue bidding on foreclosures posted on the court house steps, I suggest this type of purchase for buyers that have a lot of cash on hand and that are comfortable purchasing a home without viewing it first and without title insurance. And another thought to add to this question, many of the foreclosures in our market are homes that were rejected by the market when the owners tried to sell before foreclosure. I often see history repeat itself in this business and this should be seen as a warning that if you bought that foreclosure property, the same fate my face you if you needed to sell (depending on the market, of course).</em></p><p><strong>• Do I need a Realtor when I buy a new home? </strong><em>Anytime you a buy a home, new or resale, hiring a Realtor with experience to look after your best interests through the process is a must! New homes especially come with unique challenges throughout the process. You can make so many mistakes while building a home or buying a spec home (from picking the wrong lot, over-improving the home, risking earnest money before you know the final cost of your home...that one is my favorite that many builders like to do to buyers in our market.) My team has a separate set of checklists for purchasing a new home that will help keep the process as smooth as possible for you. </em></p><p> </p><p> </p><p><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Final Questions</strong></span></p><p><strong>• What expectations do you have of us as the buyer?</strong> <em>I always turn this around and ask what expectations you have of me as your agent. Most people say honesty and I am always above and beyond in that department. And I expect the same thing from my buyers</em>. <em>I'm not an agent that will pressure you into buying a home. I want to give you all of the information you need to make the best decision for yourself. Buying a home is a journey and I want to make it as pleasant and smooth as I can for you.</em> <br><strong>• What questions did we not ask? </strong><em>I think a smart question to ask is whether it is a buyer's or seller's market. And if you are interviewing more than one agent for the job, this is a great question to ask every agent. I'm surprised how many agents listen to the national news to answer this question. During the recession, many agents in Austin would tell you it's a buyer's market. Yet, my answer would be it would depend on the neighborhood or part of the city and then explain how to calculate and determine buyers/sellers market. I won't go into it with this answer, yet I've seen even certain streets within neighborhood be a buyer's market and the rest of the neighborhood be a seller's market. This is knowledge you need whether you are buying or selling that will help you during negotiations and with your expectations for the sale. So important and not many agents know how to calculate this correctly. </em></p><p> </p><p><a title="Blessing Real Estate Team Website" href="http://blessing.yourkwagent.com/" target="_blank">Laura Ivy Blessing</a> blogs about the Austin, TX known and lesser known happenings with a splash of real estate savvy for today's buyers and sellers. Please call her today to consult and advise you through your next real estate transaction.</p><p><em>Image courtesy of Ambro at <a href="http://FreeDigitalPhotos.net">FreeDigitalPhotos.net</a></em></p>Laura Ivy Blessing 512-789-5087, Above & Beyond Service (Ivy Blessing Realty LLC)Mon, 04 Nov 2013 07:35:52 -0800http://kwblessing.com/post/4239826/buying-a-house--interview-questions-for-your-realtor-part-2--answers
http://kwblessing.com/post/4900202/neighborhood-snapshot---the-ranch-at-brushy-creekNeighborhood Snapshot: The Ranch at Brushy Creek<p>If you’re looking for a home north of Austin with a hill country feel and the accessibility to Austin everyone wants, The Ranch at Brushy Creek is a great place to look. First and foremost, it's a great investment. You’ll see from the chart below that homeowners have seen home prices increase by 63.43% in the last 10 years. Even in last 5 years, as the neighborhood has matured and begun to build out, homeowners have seen appreciation of over 30% per square foot.<br><br><img src="https://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/agents/lauraivy1/files/Ranch%20at%20Brushy%20Creek%20Spreadsheet%20Screenshot.jpg" alt="Spreadsheet Clipping" width="700" height="179"><br><br>The Ranch at Brushy Creek is located off of North Parmer road between Avery Ranch Blvd. and FM 1431 in Cedar Park. They neighborhood boasts 7 builders, all offering different architecture and individual touches, some with wooded home sites allowing you to enjoy the surrounding nature in your own backyard. Rest assured, you will not be joining a cookie cutter, suburban neighborhood with this much variety available.<br><br>Some of the amenities included in the community are a Jr. Olympic pool, a toddler pool and water feature, and a 14-acre park (<a href="http://www.theranchatbrushycreek.net/park.htm" target="_blank">Ranch Trails Park</a>). Homeowners also enjoy access to 60-acre <a href="http://www.cedarparktexas.gov/?page=577" target="_blank">Brushy Creek Park and lake</a>, and Williamson County Regional trail running 6.75 miles. For a link to the trail, <a href="http://www.wilco.org/Portals/0/MapSide3.pdf" target="_blank">click here.</a> With all of the serenity of nature so close, it might be easy to forget that the neighborhood is also conveniently located to shopping, restaurants, and attractions. Less than 30-minute drive to downtown Austin, and a short 5 minute drive to the Metro station, homeowners are also less than 10 miles to <a href="http://www.premiumoutlets.com/outlet/round-rock" target="_blank">Round Rock Premium Outlets</a>, and 5 miles from <a href="http://www.shop1890ranch.com/" target="_blank">1890 Ranch</a> in Cedar Park. Parents can feel secure about their children receiving an exemplary education at either of the two award winning districts in the area, <a href="http://www.leanderisd.org/" target="_blank">LISD</a> and <a href="https://roundrockisd.org/" target="_blank">RRISD</a>. Both Ronald Reagan and Patsy Sommer Elementary earned an 8-10 rating on Greatschools.com. Other local highlights include the <a href="http://www.averyranchgolf.com/" target="_blank">Avery Ranch Golf Club</a>, <a href="http://ztejas.com/" target="_blank">Z Tejas Restaurant</a>, HEB Grocery, and Scott and White Hospital.</p><p> </p><p>Please let us know if Ranch at Brushy Creek could be the next place you call home. As always, we are here to help!</p><p>Laura Ivy Blessing<br>Broker Associate, TREC License #526659<br>Keller Williams Realty, Inc.<br> <a href="http://">512-789-5087</a> Cell<br><br></p><p></p>Laura Ivy Blessing 512-789-5087, Above & Beyond Service (Ivy Blessing Realty LLC)Wed, 15 Jun 2016 07:38:01 -0700http://kwblessing.com/post/4900202/neighborhood-snapshot---the-ranch-at-brushy-creek
http://kwblessing.com/post/4898978/pocket-neighborhood-in-austin--txPocket Neighborhood in Austin, TX<p><strong><img src="https://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/agents/lauraivy1/files/austin%20pocket%20image.jpg" alt="Austin, TX Pocket Neighborhood " width="528" height="792"></strong></p><p><strong>Austin has a ton of what I like to call "pocket neighborhoods."</strong></p><p>Hidden gems where you can live close to it all yet feel far enough away from it (or just neighborhoods with a smaller amount of homes that have a nice feel to them or that not everyone knows about.)</p><p>The video below will show you one of these pocket neighborhoods that has some nice views, in an area that is not well known for views.</p><p>New Construction starting in the $260s and only 17 minutes to the Texas Capitol building per google maps (without traffic).</p><p><strong>Call me to find out more or plan a tour! </strong></p><p> </p><p><strong>What are your favorite Austin Pocket Neighborhoods? Leave a comment below! And check back for more neighborhoods to be added to this list. </strong></p><p> </p><p></p><p> </p><p>Laura Blessing<br>512-789-5087<br>Blessing@Kw.com<br>Blessing Realty Group (Keller Williams Realty Affiliate)</p>Laura Ivy Blessing 512-789-5087, Above & Beyond Service (Ivy Blessing Realty LLC)Mon, 13 Jun 2016 05:00:20 -0700http://kwblessing.com/post/4898978/pocket-neighborhood-in-austin--tx
http://kwblessing.com/post/4655930/10-things-to-know-and-love-about-moving-from-california-to-austin10 Things to Know and Love About Moving from California to Austin<p><span style="font-size: 12pt;">10 Things to Know and Love About Moving from California to Austin</span></p><p><span style="font-size: 12pt;"> </span></p><p><span style="font-size: 12pt;">So, you’re thinking of moving from California to Austin, huh? You wouldn’t be the first or the last, and that’s okay, because Texans are generally pretty friendly and welcoming people. Of course, moving to a new location can be daunting, so let me put you at ease. You see, Texas is not all that different from California, so you will get to enjoy some things you’re already accustomed to:<br><br></span></p><p><span style="font-size: 12pt;"> <a href="http://quickfacts.census.gov/qfd/states/48/4805000.html" target="_blank">Diverse population</a></span></p><p><span style="font-size: 12pt;"> <a href="http://www.statesman.com/weblogs/all-ablog-austin/2014/aug/07/how-liberal-austin/" target="_blank">Liberal hotspot</a></span></p><p><span style="font-size: 12pt;"> <a href="http://www.currentresults.com/Weather/Texas/annual-days-of-sunshine.php" target="_blank">An abundance of sunny days</a></span></p><p><span style="font-size: 12pt;"> <a href="http://www.in-n-out.com/locations" target="_blank">In &amp; Out – yes, we have them!</a></span></p><p><span style="font-size: 12pt;"> <a href="http://www.traderjoes.com/stores" target="_blank">Trader Joe’s – and those, too!</a></span></p><p><span style="font-size: 12pt;"> <a href="http://www.austinphotobook.com/2011/01/24/austin-is-beautiful-austin-scenic-overlooks-tour/" target="_blank">Natural Beauty</a></span></p><p><span style="font-size: 12pt;"> <a href="http://www.austintop50.com/p/top-50-things-to-do-in-austin-this.html" target="_blank">An array of outdoor activities</a></span><br><br></p><p><span style="font-size: 12pt;">And now for a few things you’ll really love about your move:<br><br></span></p><p><span style="font-size: 12pt;"> <a href="http://www.investopedia.com/ask/answers/100214/what-cost-living-difference-between-texas-and-california.asp" target="_blank">The cost of living!</a></span></p><p><span style="font-size: 12pt;"> <a href="http://www.investopedia.com/ask/answers/100214/what-cost-living-difference-between-texas-and-california.asp" target="_blank">Affordable housing!</a></span></p><p><span style="font-size: 12pt;"> <a href="http://www.forbes.com/sites/realspin/2013/07/03/texas-v-california-the-real-facts-behind-the-lone-star-states-miracle/%20" target="_blank">No income tax!<br><br></a></span></p><p><span style="font-size: 12pt;">According to MIT, an individual has to earn 27.8% more income to earn a living wage in California than in Texas. Housing is the largest single expense category in MIT's calculation; it is also the area where Texans see the largest advantage. Housing costs are an impressive 54.2% higher in the Golden State than in the Lone Star State. The difference is more pronounced for larger families, where normal housing expenses for two adults and three children are 71% higher for Californians.(1)</span><br><br></p><p><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Most importantly, California and Texas, alike in many ways, have diametrically opposed public policies. California’s state and local tax burden ranks as America’s 4th-highest compared to Texas at 45th. California taxes a 42 percent larger share of state income than does Texas, California’s restrictive energy policies discourage oil extraction, even though it has the largest proven shale oil reserves in the nation; while its industrial electrical rates are 88 percent higher than in Texas.(2)</span></p><p><span style="font-size: 12pt;"> </span></p><p><span style="font-size: 12pt;">We’re native Texans and longtime Austinites. Contact us for help in finding the perfect new home for you and your family.</span></p><p> </p><p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">1. “What is the cost of living difference between Texas and California,” Investopedia, http://www.investopedia.com/ask/answers/100214/what-cost-living-difference-between-texas-and-california.asp</span></p><p> </p><p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">2. “Texas v. California: The Real Facts Behind The Lone Star State’s Miracle,” Forbes, http://www.forbes.com/sites/realspin/2013/07/03/texas-v-california-the-real-facts-behind-the-lone-star-states-miracle/ (July, 2013)</span></p>Laura Ivy Blessing 512-789-5087, Above & Beyond Service (Ivy Blessing Realty LLC)Thu, 30 Apr 2015 06:25:17 -0700http://kwblessing.com/post/4655930/10-things-to-know-and-love-about-moving-from-california-to-austin